The invite for the 16th Street Mall event says says the purpose is to “exercise our free speech and show that the Rainbow Community doesn’t appreciate when a corporation donates millions to organizations that lobby for anti-LGBT equality legislation”
The invite for the suburban event reads “Regardless of what your social/ideological leanings are, we are free to exercise our religious beliefs in this country.”

Here is the thing.
They may end up with a bump in sales due to this right-wing ad campaign (I received a robo call from Huckabee), which will provide a temporary bump, but I will not willingly give my money to a company that discriminates. Most people won’t. ChickFilA now is in the “toxic company” bucket, and they have a problem.

Kel

“Toxic Company”? Because of a religious opinion? Be careful, the Nazis did that to the Jews…

Sorry on D-knees, I have never eaten at a chick-fil-a before but I will be eating there today. If I like the food i will simply switch from my other fast food choices to chick-fil-a instead. It’s only three times a week but a sale is a sale.

Anonymous

The rally supporting Chik Fil A says, “Regardless of what your social/ideological leanings are, we are free to exercise our religious beliefs in this country.”
They are free to exercise their religious beliefs in this country.
But they are NOT free to deny others their civil and constitutional rights to be treated fairly and equally under the law based on those beliefs.
Why is that so hard to understand?
I don’t approve of smoking, but I simply choose not to smoke myself….I don’t try to make that decision for others by banning smoking. It’s the same concept for gay marriage. Allow everything to make whatever choice is best for themselves and mind your own freaking business.

The president of the company exercised his right to give you his opinion whether you agree or not. He didn’t deny anyone’s right to be treated fairly, he just stated his support for the Biblical view of marriage. He didn’t speak for anyone else, just his company. I’m sure he realizes gay people work for him and I’m sure he’s not seeking them out for punishment, much like crazy liberals are doing to him. By the way, we ate at Chick-Fil-A today in Iowa City and it was busier today than it’s been at the same time for the last 5 weeks. I know, been there at the same time each of the last 5 Mondays.

Guest

Nice sentiment, but unfortunately it isn’t only limited to his beliefs. The company’s foundation, which gets its money from the franchisees, donates millions of dollars to anti-gay hate groups.

BeStrong

Does your tagging of people that disagree with these lifestyle choices as hate groups make you a hater as well???

Guest

the Biblical view of marriage includes polygamy and the treatment of women as property.

BeStrong

So tired of hearing how anyone that does not agree with pro gay anthing is evil, I for one will spend more money at Chick Fil A going forward!

kissbythesun

Me too!! I’ll let my pocketbook speak for me as well!!

Frank

We don’t think you are evil. We are, believe it or not, fighting for our civil rights here in America year 2012. Are we tired…yes. We are tired of people exalting themselves as though only they know the Bible, that only they know what a family is, and that only they know what love is. Sexuality is not chosen, and if you think it is please do spend a day in our shoes just for laughs. Try it, stand in a protest and be called hateful things simply because you are living honestly, as who God created you to be. I am sorry that you feel WE are oppressing you. We simply want civil equality, nothing more. We do not hate you, many of us wish to have a better greater community, and to be able to collaborate and help one another. Thank you.

Tim S

You know what this means don’t you? You now need to identity and boycott every Christian, Muslim and Mormon owned business in America. Good luck with that. And that gas in your car? It’s comes from countries where women can’t vote, must hide their faces, homosexuality is a death sentence.

While I support civil unions for gays, my question is, does Chick-fil-a discriminate against gays? If they do, then I have an issue. In addition, is Chick-fil-a a PUBLIC or private company? If they are private, then I have no issue with this. If it is public, then perhaps the stockholders need to consider what this will do to sales long-term. Beyond that, as long as Chick-fil-a does not discriminate, then I really do not care. I simply object to their politics.
Personally, I take more issue with the McDonalds, Burger King, IHOP, and Wendy’s here in Lone Tree, and Highlands Ranch, that do not hire LOCAL ppl. Instead, the majority that they hire appear to be illegals (speak not a word of english), but nearly 100% latino. For a place that has less than 5% latino, I have not met a one that can not speak American English, well, like a citizen.
THAT is not only hiring illegals, but it is most certainly discrimination. For that, I have a lot more issues with, then if somebody wants to do something LEGAL.

aniee

Such a big to do about nothing. Stop sweating the small stuff. Together we stand and divided we fall. Pick your battles carefully folks and quit this bickering.

A bigger issue is whether or not they use chickens raised on factory farms in cruel and unsanitary conditions, which is probably the case. Personally, I’ve never eaten at a Chick-Fil-A restaurant. They don’t seem very clean.

Anonymous

Dear Sir,
I bet you’ve never been in a Chick-Fil-a, these are the cleanest joints in the busness. I gotta tell you I have nothing to do with this place other than eat there. They’re clean, clean Clean!

Joey Bunch has been a reporter for 28 years, including the last 12 at The Denver Post. For various newspapers he has covered the environment, water issues, politics, civil rights, sports and the casino industry.